ATLANTA — After a crazy Friday night that saw Stephen Strasburg get hurt and the Nationals somehow pull out a 3-2 victory, they're back at Turner Field tonight for the second game of this big weekend series with the Braves with more injury news to report: Bryce Harper has officially been placed on the 15-day DL with bursitis in his left knee. The move is retroactive to May 27, so he's eligible to return June 11 against the Rockies.

Erik Davis takes Harper's spot on the roster, adding another right-hander to a bullpen that was taxed last night because of Strasburg's early exit with an oblique strain. Neither Craig Stammen nor Tyler Clippard are expected to be available tonight, so the pressure's on Gio Gonzalez to churn out a quality start and not force Davey Johnson to turn to his bullpen early again.

It would also help if the Nationals can get something going at the plate against Tim Hudson, never an easy task. Though he's 4-4 with a 5.37 ERA overall this season, he's 2-0 with a 1.27 ERA against the Nats (16-5, 2.55 ERA in his career against the franchise).

A friendly reminder that tonight's game is on Fox. Dick Stockton and Tom Verducci have the call. Here's the coverage map (and note that parts of Virginia will not be getting this game).

"Rendon has played only five professional games at second base, all this season, but the feeling is that he can pick up the position quickly. It can't hurt that Syracuse manager Tony Beasley was a second baseman in his playing days."Michelle thanks for that linkage. Knobler made good points. Again where were all of these people in the offseason calling for a Nats change at 2nd base.

In answer to some folks' question in the previous thread as to why they didn't want to give Rendon more time at 2B before this, it's a developmental thing. Due to his injuries last year, he had never played professional baseball for any extended period of time before this season, and they reasonably wanted to give him a comfort level at a familiar position for that first extended stint. Plus, coming out of ST, 3B seemed to be a bigger question mark as to health than 2B, especially given Danny's decent ST numbers.Plus it was somewhat disruptive of that development calling Rendon up in April, thus the "let's let him settle back in Harrisburg with most of the time at 3B but start him with one out of every four or five games at second.

Here's hoping Gio makes an adjustment tonight; the Braves really seemed to have his number the last two times. He should definitely not give Simmons anything he can hit out on the first pitch. *g*Would've liked to see Suzuki get the night off since he'll probably be needed for Karns tomorrow. I know he's tough, but with Ramos out they need to avoid wearing him down.

I think Rizzo saw no need to train Rendon at second because he always has thought that Espi was going to have a break out year and become an allstar second baseman. He thought maybe Zim would not regain his form at third. Zim looks pretty darn good these days and the hitting power is returning, too. If this team had performed the way we all thought it would, and if everyone was healthy, Rendon would not be up until September. Issues have been forced.

Anyone who usually gets our game on masn should get the game on fox. I hate their AL baseball bias, as well as their thinking that everyone in the universe cares about the yankees or the red sox. Our game has nl implications.

In other news, the Braves are now publicly speculating about sending BJ Upton to the minors. First, so glad the Nats didn't sign that guy (or trade for him in the last few years when Rizzo was rumored to be enamored).Second, if the Braves can even think about sending a veteran with a huge contract down, why is Espinoza sacrosanct?

Nats 128 – "Again where were all of these people in the offseason calling for a Nats change at 2nd base."Uh, me for one. I've been a big Espi supporter prior to this year, but the insane number of strikeouts in particular made it obvious where the weak link in the infield was assuming Danny did not continue to elevate his hitting. With Zim assumed to be at third for years, Rendon looked like the difference between having a solid player at 2B and potentially having a perennial All Star at the position. And had Danny broken out this year as many of us had hoped, the Nats would have had an embarrassment of riches at the position instead of a yawning black chasm in their lineup at a time when they are in real danger of the season going down the tubes.

if the Braves can even think about sending a veteran with a huge contract down, why is Espinoza sacrosanct? Because they have alternatives in the outfield that Rizzo doesn't think he has in the middle infield, would be my guess. Because B.J. Upton is an FNG in Atlanta, and Danny came up thru this system, so there's more loyalty there. Because they both get paid regardless, so it's really a sunk cost in any case. Just guessing.

@TexNat – great point. Espinosa has in no way earned the demotion-proof status of a long term veteran. He should have been sent down a month ago to see if he could fix whatever the heck is ailing his hitting. The reluctance to do so is baffling.

Uh, me for one. There's no virtue in being right, too soon. Just because it didn't work out does not mean it was a foregone conclusion that it couldn't. Even if it was a longshot, Rizzo felt, apparently, that it was worth taking the shot. Sometimes, the cards ain't worth a dime if you don't lay 'em down.

Loyalty should have nothing to do with it. Danny would be better served in the long run getting healthy and getting himself together in the minors. And as long as he performs as he currently is, the Nats do have plenty of options to replace him in as much as anyone is a viable replacement at this point.

Kolko: Ross Detwiler (oblique) being brought along very slowly. Doing light tossing but told to shut it down if he feels anything. No timetable setI don't at all have a problem with Ross being brought along slowly, given how we've rushed people. But it is scary to think that he had a "Very slight" strain and he's been out this long. Imagine how long Strasburg could be out for…

@Sec 3 – the guy sitting in the seat next to you at the games is a better option at the plate than Danny at this point. I've been watching baseball for 40 years and cannot recall seeing a hitter perform this poorly for this long without being removed from the lineup. Fun fact: Adam Dunn's BA is EIGHT POINTS lower than Danny's right now, but of course he has 9 more HRs and is leading his team in RBIs. If he picks up his production even slightly he has a chance to go 30-100 while being well below the Mendoza Line. At least Adam makes his few hits COUNT.

I guess I need to start watching the O's Tigers game – sounds eventful. And I agree that there is nothing wrong with Danny going down for a bit. I don't care how confident he is, this has got to be wearing on him. If he just get out of the limelight, he could rebuild his hitting and get a re-set.John Lannan was our number one starter – once he went down to AA to get his mechanics together, last year he spent in AAA. I don't understand the hesitancy. I don't think it's the wrist or shoulder, though — it really seems like he does not have a good sense of the strike zone.

Not sure why that didn't occur to me but, brilliant (although I don't mind Verducci, generally). original Nats Fan said… I listen to C&D anyway, as I did for the Nats-Os series. I like Bob and FP [or Ray], not those other guys June 01, 2013 4:40 PM

DP — and on an 82 mph slider.Was just listening to the Tigers radio guys marveling at how terrible a call that was, that NO ONE intentionally hits a batter with a breaking ball.Little as I like the Os (though I do like Bucky). The umps seem to be reaching new and downright irrational lows this year.

Yeah – that's kind of why I hesitate to be too adamant about those kind of things. Once we saw how Adam could really play….. So I noticed that the Barves fans boo BJ Upton! I heard some fans here booing Zim one day — I wanted to punch them in the face. I agree with most of you that I will only boo lollygagging. So Miguel Cabrera just hit a grannie off of the O's. Should have just walked the run in. Four homers in this inning, 9 to 1, no outs.

Because of off days, Strasburg's day can be pushed back until June 8. So that's 8 days. Still not a lot of time though. I think he probably misses that start. If we're lucky, that's the only one he misses.

We are stuck by the mediocre start; you can't rush these guys yet we need them now.As for Espi having no value I a trade, I can not disagree more. If he were to get healthy, go down and post reasonable numbers and show he can learn then there will be a good market for him. Trick is getting him to learn or he will be the best hitter in his local beer league.

I think Stammen's stats as a starter are moot at this point. That was too long ago and he has remade himself as a pitcher. I am betting he could do better than Duke did. You wouldn't go seven with him, but he could probably go five or six. Seriously -when he pitches now he does not look anything like that pitcher from several years ago.

This weekend I'm in the part of VA where for some reason they think people are more interested in the BoSox than the Nats. Grrr. Hoping Gio can get it done tonight. Guaranteeing a series win before Karns takes the mound would be very nice indeed.And I don't even mind seeing Espi in the starting lineup, knowing his days are numbered. It's like a dark cloud has lifted.

Who is Syracuse playing? Who is pitching – is it an old veteran or a prospect? Hard to judge whether or not he can hit at this level without knowing that. Would like to know what kind of stuff he is facing. Good fastball? Breaking stuff? Anyone know how to find out?

Much as I would look forward to Bloy8's lineup, I would worry about running Suzuki into the ground. I haven't heard a whisper about when Ramos might be back so I'm guessing at least two-three weeks. Johnson seems to forget Solano is on the bench except when he needs to waste a PH.

Here's a scouting report on Webster, Swami:"Webster features a robust arsenal of pitches, including three that offer plus potential long term. His fastball sits in the low-90s with heavy sink, and he can run his four-seamer up to 95-96 mph when he needs a little extra. His size and arm angle allow him to generate excellent downward trajectory, accentuating the natural sink on his fastball and allowing him to induce plenty of ground balls. His changeup shows as a true plus-plus offering and allows him to be effective against left-handers.Webster’s slider has taken a large step forward over the last year, now showing consistently as a plus pitch and earning even more substantial praise at times. Webster also mixes in a below-average curveball that is not a significant part of his arsenal. Control and command have never been strong points for Webster, but he has developed to the point where he can throw enough strikes to be effective. His wide arsenal of pitches suggests bigger projection than the actual package allows, but Webster should end up a solid no. 3 starter with a chance to surpass that if his command suddenly comes around."

MurrayTheRed at 4:52, I don't think you'll have any luck at all with TuneIn Radio and the 106.7 feed. MLB blacks out Internet feeds of the games except through their subscriptions.I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure you have to have MLB Gameday Audio or MLB.tv to hear Charlie & Dave on the Internet.

Just turned on the game – is this Pajama Night? WTH is up with those unis? I love the Grays, but the unis have to FIT. The Barves, in comparison, have some crazy pockets going on, nut unis look like they fit.

"NatsJack in Florida said… In the words of FP Santangelo….."he's ready, bring him up".Not really. It's going to take 10 games or so to really judge. But he'll be fine.Espinosa has to know his days are numbered."Ha! Thanks for the update and yes his days are numbered.

phil dunton said… This "small ball" is extremely boring and painful to watch, night after night, but Rizzo loves it. That's why he keeps Eckstein around because he hates offense. Like we're supposed to wait around for the three-run home run barrage against Mr. Hudson? Let's be real. The guy is 16-5 lifetime against us. Play for a run; we're not getting four.

A good hitting coach won't help a bad hitter much, but a bad hitting coach will hurt a good one. Chipper Jones was more helpful to ALR in a couple of hours than Eck was all ST and into the regular season.

Gio is such a gamer. I wonder if he wonders what happened to the team he played for last year. Don't see him smiling and laughing quite so much anymore.Side note: I used to say (before last year), any team with Bernadina as a starter is no high caliber team. And Lo and Behold, Bernie's starting again. What happened to Corey Brown?

I understand Rendon is playing 2b in AAA. Question: What is wrong with Lombo at 2b? this management team has blind spots for people — which is very bad. they had a blind spot for Morse and determined he wasn't a good fit; and they obviously have that same blind spot for Lombo — Lombo just isn't one of Davey's guys. And if you're not one of Davey's guys, you are persona non grata on this team. Very bad Very Bad

Uhhh…..Lombo is a utility player with no power, horrible OBP, and limited range with a weak arm. Aside from that, what's not to like?Granted, he's still an upgrade over Espinosa but then so is almost anyone else.

Lau was great, wish he had someone like him, but alas we do not.Noticed LOMBO did his Espi imitation too swinging at one way inside snd way low.Why do not recognize pitches as a team well.Braves terrible too,but have great power compared to Nats.

Re: Lombo……no he doesn't. He has marginal talent and maximizes it with serious baseball smarts. I appreciate all that but he isn't Dustin Pedroia.Heck, he's barely a better player than his Dad who had a memoriable 4 year run 25 years ago.

Less Platu:Everyone likes Lombo's scrappiness, but he demonstrably does not hit when he plays.He has a .231 batting average and heading into tonight his on base percentage was just .254.He just doesn't reach base enough. Rendon will be a huge upgrade.

Pathetic effort.desi just needed to fly to the outfield, and he doesnt even botger to swing.Shark needs a suiside squeeze and Davey is an idiot and not call it. Big cat and I were furious at Davey.The Espi is worthless.

Wow. Our hitting is just unwatchable at times. To have Lombo come up twice last night and execute properly, then to see that tonight. Desi: 2 strike plan? Apparently not. Just look at the third one.Espi: take the first pitch (especially if you have not see Kimbrel yet?). No.Poor plan = poor results.

Drew: Disagree. When Lombo played 5 straight games and thinking it might be a lot more, he hit .300 and made a difference in at least 3 of those games and single handedly won one of them.Playing a guy sporadically, moving him around position to position, never knowing when he's playing, and getting pinch hit for in the late innings, is not "Playing" regularly in anyone's book. When he played a little regularly, he hit.I'm not saying Lombo is the second coming — don't get me wrong here. Only he's superior to Espi who doesn't belong in the Bigs at all

Espinosa is an automatic out at this point. Bring anyone else in. This lineup is one of the weakest in the majors right now and the need for a .150 hitter who strikes out 170 times and swings wildly at the first pitch he sees would not seem to be there.

As usual, I'm with MicheleS. Fredi's backup genius already has burned through Kimbrel. Meanwhile, we've got a stocked 'pen. Heck, Stammen is probably looking around for his glove. Only went four last night.

Desmond is just not a smart hitter and never will be. With him and Automatic Out Espinosa in the lineup, this team better figure on a lot of shutouts if we are going to be a contender. I like Abad as a good LH in this kind of situation. Actually the Braves have the same problems; a lot of guys who have no plate discipline and strike out repeatedly.

In order for the Nats to win 95 games this year, they'll have to play .628 from here on.In order for the Nats to win 90 games and have any hope for the playoffs, they'll have to play .579.They better get going

I think you go to Espi and ask if he is hurt, reassuring him that we love his toughness but he is doing us n good with his one meaningless hit a series season he is having. If he says no, he's ok, then you send him down.I tell you one thing this team will go nowhere with this many automatic outs playing every night. Look how well Gio pitched tonight. You can't have he worst offense in baseball and hope it comes around with time.

Secret: Yep not much to get going is there? Management hurt this team over the winter: Davey had a too laid back Spring with the regulars not getting enough Ab's and ground balls — now with the injuries? Well, we see the results

I know Tracy had a decent year last year, but never did I ever consider him 'important." And he's not impressing at all this year. Davey's mistakes both in personnel management and basic game strategy are into the high double digits for this young year already

"Less Platu said… haha Henry has no idea where its going. Another weakness in this team. Let this guy go!!! He cannot throw strikes — and gets nervous in tough games.He losses it right here"How can you say that. He has a fan club here that make up excuses for him all the time.

Walk leadoff guys you deserve to lose. Hrod is just capable of throwing strikes in close gamesBut the real reason lost because of Desi, Shark and Espi.Man on 3rd no outs and these 3 dont botger to make smart plays.Desi takes a strike 3 Davey not smart enough to call suiside squeeze and Shark not smart enough to hit a fkyball swinging at first pitch.Espi just is espi and i blame Rizzo for refusing to do what has to be done.

A stolen base is just as much a part of small ball as a sacrifice bunt or a squeeze. Let the record show that with runners on second and third with no out the Nats manager played as if he was going for a big inning and got nothing. Lets also point out that the bottom of the lineup was coming up for the Nats. With a runner on first, no outs, the Braves played for one run and got it. Draw your own conclusions, I have mine and it isn't pretty.

This team won't be battling the Braves for the division. They'll be battling Philadelphia for third place. They are not good enough to make it to the playoffs. Davey and Rizzo created this mediocrity. Next year, one or both will not be around to do anything about it.

Here is what I hope. Rodriguez is Rizzo's guy and Davey ran him out there to prove a point. Tracy is my around until Rendon comes up because he can play 3rd and Chris M at AAA can't. When Rendon comes and Danny is DL'd, Tracy is DFA'd and Marrero comes up. Rizzo's already said help is coming from within, not outside. If it were coming from outside, perhaps someone else believes in Henry's 102, and will take him and Tracy for some organizational depth for Potomac. The Morse trade is looking pretty foolish right now, but from a team spirit standpoint and a super-sub standpoint. I am hoping Rizzo's shares Davey's WS or bust thoughts but I am not convinced he is set on success this year. We will see.

Emdash you are right. Oh Henry going in was just throwing in the towel. Short on pitching, Stammen unavailable, it almost made sense. I agree with everyone else-anytime you get 2 runners on 2nd and 3rd you have to push at least one across. I don't get it.And really, what is more annoying? The Orioles desecration of the National Anthem or that damn Tomahawk chop. What pisses me off more is unless this team starts shutting up their opponents, their fans will be pulling that crap in our house.